Malacañang declares February 13 a non-working day in Parañaque City in celebration of cityhood anniversary

Very recently, Malacañang Palace issued Proclamation Number 792 formally declaring the date of February 13, 2025 a non-working day in Parañaque City marking its 27th cityhood anniversary, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this recent development? How interested are you to participate or witness the scheduled activities related to the 27th anniversary of Parañaque’s cityhood? Do you think the 27th cityhood anniversary will help you forget about the rampant crime in Parañaque that involved foreigners?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I had a nice burger meal at Meat Plus Café in Subic Bay

Have you visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone lately? I did. After completing an assignment there, I decided to have a meal at Meat Plus Café before driving all the way back to Alabang. It was an opportunity for me to eat there for the first time since 2018. Not only that, I was curious to try a burger meal there.

Meat Plus Café in Subic Bay

For the newcomers reading this, the Subic Bay branch of Meat Plus Café has been in business for a long time and it continues to attract a steady stream of customers (including the loyal ones who love to consume more from them) to this day. The restaurant is very popular for its meat servings like steaks, Beef Salpicao, burgers, oven-roasted beef belly, BBQ pork ribs, hamburger steaks and more. They also have notable alternatives such as the Seaburger, fried chicken and salmon. Salad, soup and side dishes are also offered.

Meat Plus Café is located at 65 Sampson Road inside the freeport, just footsteps away from the SBMA Fire Station. There is also a huge parking area in front of the restaurant which is so easy to find. For its precise Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/6CD6VwZPsGzBanG26

The menus for customers to look at.
These are the meat platters being offered to customers and families.

Eventually on a Friday afternoon, I parked my car and entered the restaurant. Even at past 3PM, there were still several people eating inside with some chairs and tables left vacant. I went to the counter and looked at the menu carefully searching for their burgers. Early on, I chose the Meat Plus Burger and when I asked the lady (behind the counter) if it came with French Fries, she pointed to the combo meal which includes the said burger with fries and a drink. Since it was the complete package, I ordered the Meat Plus Burger combo meal and added a standalone serving of coleslaw (to add more vegetables). I paid a total of P435.

After about ten minutes waiting and sitting comfortably, the waiter served me my meal. Take a look at the images below.

The combo meal I ordered has the Meat Plus Burger, fries, a slice of tomato, a slice of cucumber, condiments and a small serving of coleslaw. This combo meal costs P355.

On my plate was the Meat Plus Burger, fries, condiments, cucumber slice, thin tomato slice and a small serving of coleslaw. Good thing I ordered a standalone coleslaw (not pictured) because I really wanted more veggies in my meal.

A closer look at the Meat Plus Burger. It has two Angus beef patties, cheese and onions. The bread was smooth.

After consuming the fries first, I grabbed the Meat Plus Burger, carefully inserted the tomato slice and cucumber slice, and then took my first bite of it. The burger was pretty delicious and the flavor of the meat is very unique as the two patties were actually Angus beef patties. With each bite of the burger – with the Angus beef flavor combining with the cheese, cucumber and tomato slices – came more enjoyment on my part. Alternately, I consumed the coleslaw and my drink (diet soda). The burger was so tasty, I did not use the condiments at all.

This is the remaining Meat Plus Burger I had. The tomato slice and cucumber slice were added already.

I am very glad I had Meat Plus Café’s combo meal with their signature burger during my last visit in Subic Bay. In fact, my meal there was a late lunch for me and I was really starving when I got inside. I would love to return to Meat Plus Café – Subic Bay once I return.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

NLCOM and New Life La Trinidad help fire victims in Benguet

In response to a fire that struck a community on New Year’s Day in Benguet province, New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it teamed up with New Life La Trinidad to help the victims of Barangay Camp 6 in Tuba.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the January 21, 2025 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…

For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has an established record of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.

NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…

If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION INT’L. INC.

PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

00-133000543-3

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

13-133000530-7

Swift Code: ubpphphmm

Via PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nlcomPH

For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.

In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.

Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.

Proverbs 19:17 (MSG)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

BPI lead economist says Philippine economy will accelerate this year

For the lead economist of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the economy of the Philippines will accelerate this year in connection to rising household consumption as well as other factors, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the economy of the Philippines will be able to grow by at least 6.3% this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Eight Chinese nationals arrrested in Parañaque over phishing scam, one suspect still on the loose

Recently in Parañaque City, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supported by representatives of theDigital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) arrested eight Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online phishing, but one other suspect remains at large, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Pieces of evidence were found at the site of the crime.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, have you grown tired about your city being such a hot spot of illegal operations, scams and crime involving foreign nationals? What do you think made Parañaque a favorite destination for the remnants of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and scammers involving foreigners?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 54

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 The return of US President Donald Trump – Donald Trump is officially back as President of the United States. Officially speaking, he has been counted as the 45th and now the 47th US President. Within the first day of his new administration, President Trump proceeded with the reforms by signing them with his approval. Indeed, America is back with Trump and this means removing the woke trash left behind by the failed Biden-Harris administration. The following videos were selected for your interest and enlightenment.

#2 TBR Schmitt reacts to 1997’s Air Force One – I don’t know with you readers but I enjoy watching the movie reaction videos of YouTuber TBR Schmitt (a couple who enjoy movies together). In light of Donald Trump’s return as US President, I posted below TBR Schmitt’s reaction video of 1997’s Air Force One (note: for other YouTube reaction videos of the said movie, click here) which is entertaining to watch. If you have not seen Air Force One, watch the movie first before seeing the reaction video.

#3 The rise of Vietnam – It cannot be denied that Vietnam truly progressed economically over the decades. Previously ravaged by war, Vietnam is now in a position to replace China as the manufacturing hub of Asia and they already have tech giants like Samsung and Apple on their side. This video by ColdFusion explains in details the historical background and the astronomic rise of Vietnam. It’s a must-watch.

#4 VKunia reacts to Rocky – Have you been watching the movie reaction videos of YouTuber VKunia? She has lots of reaction videos and most of them are enjoyable to watch. For this post, I am sharing with you her reaction video of the one movie that made Sylvester Stallone a movie star – Rocky. Not only that, VKunia herself used to live in Philadelphia (Rocky’s city). Watch VKunia’s Rocky reaction and observe how Stallone’s film draws her reactions.

#5 PatmanQC examines the Atari Jaguar – Back in the early to the mid-1990s, console gaming was already dominated by the Japanese, particularly by Sega (with the Genesis) and Nintendo (with the SNES). Along the way, while reading a video game magazine, I was very surprised to see the announcement of the Atari Jaguar console. Back in those days, a lot of people thought Atari faded away in the console business. The Jaguar eventually failed commercially but it still made its mark in video gaming history, and already a lot of YouTubers posted retrospective videos about the said Atari console. If you want an in-depth look at the history of Atari Jaguar and what its games were, watch PatmanQC’s video below.

#6 You, Me and the Movies react to Mac and Me – Have you ever been interested in a movie geared towards children with a creative mix of Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and a story that has similarities with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? Such a movie exists and it is called Mac and Me. You, Me and the Movies recently posted their reaction video about it and you have to see it.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

IMF sees stronger economic growth for the Philippines in 2026 but warns about risks related to external developments

Recently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that it expects the economic growth of the Philippines to get stronger in 2026 but it issue a warning that external developments could prevent it from happening, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the IMF is correct with its current analysis of the details and economic forecast for the Philippines? Do you think the national government should focus more on attracting new foreign investors and bringing inflation down to build up the economic momentum?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Citigroup sees Philippine economy expanding by about 6% this year

In the perspective of Citigroup, Inc. (Citi), the economy of the Philippines will grow this year by around 6%, pointing to the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO), according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Citgroup is correct about its research on the Philippine economy? Do you think the BPO industry will contribute a lot to the economic growth of the nation this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

A Look Back at Superman #350 (1980)

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 20th century pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1980 to take a close look at one of the many tales published through the original Superman monthly series (first launched in 1939).

Before Crisis on Infinite Earths happened, the DC Comics multiverse had a lot of superhero stories that had outlandish fantasy elements. For example, Action Comics #454 showed Superman eating tons of food in order to survive. In Action Comics #456, the battles between Superman and The Shark had lots of outlandish looking forms of action. In short, the old multiverse and its tropes are looking fun to revisit.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman #350, published in 1980 by DC Comics with a story written by Gerry Conway and drawn by Curt Swan.  

The cover.

Early story

The story begins when Superman makes his move to prevent a punctured hot air balloon transport from crashing. It turns out the balloon was part of the promotion of a reunion event at Metropolis University and Superman really went there to attend it in his civilian identity as Clark Kent. Also attending the event is his long-time friend and colleague Lana Lang.

As the old professor Lemuel B. Tolkein – former superior of Clark and his classmates – speaks during the reunion, several attendees – including people Clark personally knew – begin to disappear into thin air. The remaining attendees and guests begin to panic…

Quality

Superman uses his special abilities to solve problems here.

I really like this story. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that this tale written by Conway is actually a mystery that happens to take place during Clark Kent’s reunion with many people from his past. As there is no good-versus-evil concept, the story is solidly focused on mysterious happenings that challenge Superman’s ability to solve problems. Even though he already has many super powers, the Man of Steel still got challenged a lot by the disappearances of people and things.

Apart from the story, I also enjoyed Conway’s approach on developing Clark Kent/Superman, Lana Lang and Lois Lane. Seeing Clark reconnecting with people from his past at Metropolis University was a refreshing portrayal and it also sheds light on how he handled himself during his collegiate years. As for Lois Lane, she was portrayed to be hostile towards Clark with regards to journalistic competition between them, and yet she still has tenderness towards Superman deep inside.

Conclusion

Superman quickly changes into his Clark Kent identity to attend the reunion.

Superman #350 (1980) is enjoyable and the elements of the pre-Crisis multiverse of DC Comics added depth to it. The story is relaxing to follow and it managed to surprise me and keep me engaged until the very end. I am convinced to follow the next issue.

Overall, Superman #350 (1980) is recommended.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Did many undocumented Filipinos leave America before Donald Trump’s return as US President?

By the time you are reading this, it has been days since Donald Trump formally returned as President of the United States. That being said, it has been months since Filipinos staying illegally in America have been advised to not wait to be deported by Trump’s new administration which itself has made clear it new immigration policy. In fact, the search, apprehension and deporting of illegal immigrants in America are already in effect (click here and here). In a recent report by GMA Network, the Philippine embassy in the United States is not certain how many undocumented Filipins left America to avoid the mass deportation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of GMA. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think many illegal Filipinos have left the United States before Trump formally returned as US President? Have members in your local community turned too sympathetic to illegal immigrants and perceived them as refugees? Do you realize that there are violent criminals and terrorists among the many millions of foreigners who illegally entered the United States under the failed Biden-Harris administration?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco